NBA fans were in for a surprise when Mark Williams finally spoke about the failed trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. During a fan Q&A session on X (formerly Twitter), the Charlotte Hornets center answered some direct and interesting questions, including the much-talked-about trade that never came through.
While Williams is already into his offseason, he still made time to chat with fans online. And when the topic of the Lakers trade came up, he didn’t hold back.
Why Didn’t the Trade Happen?
The trade between the Lakers and Hornets was almost complete, but something went wrong at the last moment. Reports said that Mark Williams didn’t pass his physical, which is a health check every player must clear before a trade becomes official.
The Lakers were worried about injuries, especially his past back problems. Some sources claimed LA had concerns over how serious his physical condition was, especially with old back and ankle issues.
But Mark had a different take.
“I Didn’t Miss a Game for That” – Williams Clears the Air
I didn’t miss a game this season for either of those things
— Mark Williams (@MarkWi1liams) April 16, 2025
A fan named Audel Del Toro directly asked Mark on X if his back or ankle were “cooked,” using casual online lingo. Williams responded:
“I didn’t miss a game this season for either of those things.”
His reply caught attention. While it’s true he was out most of the season, the main reason was a foot injury, not back or ankle issues. According to Fox Sports, he only showed signs of back pain once, during an April 4 game against the Sacramento Kings.
So what really happened? Williams didn’t explain the full reason behind the voided trade, but when another fan asked about it, he simply replied that they should “ask Rob Pelinka,” who is the Lakers’ GM. A polite way of saying ask the front office.
What Would the Lakers Have Given Up?
If the trade had gone through, the Lakers would have received Mark Williams in exchange for:
- Dalton Knecht
- Cam Reddish
- A 2031 first-round pick
- A 2030 pick swap
Williams, a 7-foot center, played 44 games this season, averaging:
- 15.3 points
- 10.2 rebounds
- 2.5 assists
Big numbers for a young player who’s shown a lot of promise. The Lakers were likely hoping he could help them in size and defense, especially for the upcoming playoffs.
Also Read: Real Kabaddi League 2025: Schedule, Venues For Selection Trials Out
